Reptile & Amphibian Forums

how can I keep clear water (with out algae) in an outdoor enclousure...????

I know that its posible with UV filters, but... is there any other way..??? (no quimics)

thanks

Rick

You can use the algae preventing solutions found in most pet stores. It may require doses every 7-14 days depending on how much rain you get and the amount of direct sunlight.

It is unlikely to affect your crocodilian.
-----
CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

thanks C....

I´ll try it....

does anyone knowa about some natural way...???

thanks

Rick

I will be experimenting with duckweed here soon. The chemical solutions work well, but for a short period of time. Like Chris said earlier you will need to add the solution every 7-14 days to maintain effectiveness. The typical way these are supposed to work is that this chemical will kill the algae and then the dead algae is pumped out through your filtration system. I have learned first hand that it doesn't quite work that way. Actually, from what I have learned from other sources and pond professionals is that this actually falls to the bottom of the pond and then becomes more nutrients for more algae, thus allowing more to grow in. The best way I have heard to to provide as much shade as possible. The least amount of sun possible will help keep the algae from growing. Algae needs water, sunlight, and nutrients to grow. Water is obviously not going anywhere. So therefore you have to atleast try to control the other two.

You can also try barley straw but it takes 3-6 weeks for the barley straw to break down and kill the nutrients.

Hope this helps. If you would like, I can email you some of the articles I have read, that might be helpful.

Best Wishes,

chris

thanks Chris...

think I will try chemical solutions, and when the dead algae falls to the bottom of the pond will take it out with a gravel vacuum (every 1 or 2 weeks) its hard to provide a big shade, as it is an outdoor enclousure its exposed to sun

please email me the articles you have, I can learn something new

Rick

Adding a UV filter is easy since you'll already be plumbed for filtration anyhow. What size pump are you using? 600gph pumps are pretty cheap on ebay. But with proper filtration aand water changes you shouldnt have a problem.

Also, you could get 1 or 2 common plecos. They get 18" and i doubt crocs would try to eat them as they are spiny and hard.

>>thanks Chris...
>>
>>think I will try chemical solutions, and when the dead algae falls to the bottom of the pond will take it out with a gravel vacuum (every 1 or 2 weeks) its hard to provide a big shade, as it is an outdoor enclousure its exposed to sun
>>
>>please email me the articles you have, I can learn something new
>>
>>
>>
>>Rick